Have the balls to check

Volume 48, No. 12, July 13, 2006

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with one out of every 11 women in Australia likely to develop the disease by the age of 75. Men should also read on – 46 men were diagnosed with breast cancer in NSW in 2003.

Although the mortality rate for breast cancer has continued to decline since 1989 – thanks in part to improved treatment and population screening – it is still the leading cause of cancer death for females aged 35 and over (it accounted for less than one per cent of all male cancer deaths in 2003 and occurs more commonly in men aged 50 years and older).

As mentioned in the first part of our series on cancer, early detection is a vital tool in the fight against this killer disease.

So women and men are urged to make the time to check their breasts regularly and to see a doctor if they notice any changes – it could just save your life.

Risk factors
Being female and getting older are the two main risk factors in the development of breast cancer. More than 70 per cent of all breast cancer occurs in women aged 50 and over. Nine out of 10 women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.

Awareness
It is important for women (and men) to know what their breasts normally look and feel like, because they will be able to spot changes and see a doctor sooner rather than later.

Women should do a breast self-examination every month and be examined by a doctor or women’s health nurse every year (see coloured box for tips on what to watch for).

Screening
It’s widely known that having regular mammograms finds breast cancer earlier – when it is small and easier to treat – and saves lives.

The biggest benefit is for women aged between 50 and 69 years, and regular mammograms can cut the number of deaths from breast cancer by up to one-third in this age group. Therefore, all women of this age should have a mammogram every two years.

Even though mammograms are free for women aged 40 and over, and there is a benefit in being screened, they may not be as reliable for women between 40 and 49 years of age due to the density of the breast.

According to literature, the benefit is larger for those in their late 40s rather than early 40s and for those with a family history of breast cancer. Mammograms aren’t reliable for screening women under 40.

It is important to note that breast screening can miss cancers, so it is vital for individuals to get to know their breasts and what is normal for them.

Warning signs
If you notice any changes listed below, see your doctor straight away, no matter how old you are:

• A lump, lumpiness or thickening. For younger women — if this is not related to your normal monthly cycle and remains after your period. For all women, if this is a new change and in one breast only.
  
• Changes to the nipple, such as change in shape, crusting, a sore or an ulcer, redness or in-drawing of the nipple.
  
• Discharge from the nipple. If this is from one nipple and is bloodstained, or occurs without squeezing.
  
• Changes in the skin of the breast, such as any puckering or dimpling of the skin, unusual redness or other colour change.
  
• Persistent, unusual pain, if this is not related to your normal monthly cycle, remains after your period and occurs in one breast only.
  
• A change in the shape or size of a breast — this may be either an increase or decrease in size.

Seek medical advice or phone the cancer helpline on 13 11 20 if you have concerns